The Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF), on Tuesday, commenced screening 173 Bachelor of Science (BSc) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) candidates from the South East zone for its overseas scholarship scheme.

The exercise, held at the geology department of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), attracted applicants from Abia, Anambra,  Ebonyi,  Enugu and Imo States.

The PTDF overseas scholarship scheme is part of the Federal Government’s flagship initiatives to build indigenous capacity and reduce reliance on foreign expertise in Nigeria’s energy industry.

Speaking during the exercise, Mr Afam Ikwuemesi, team lead for the South East centre for the 2026 interview, said the scholarship scheme was aimed at developing Nigerian professionals in the oil and gas sector.

According to him, the scheme focuses on training candidates at the master’s and PhD levels in partnership with institutions abroad, including the United Kingdom, Germany, and Malaysia.

“This is a nationwide exercise designed to build capacity in the oil and gas industry.

“Candidates must possess at least a Second Class Upper (2:1) degree and apply for oil and gas-related courses in our partner institutions,” he said.

Mr Ikwuemesi, who is also the Deputy Manager, Content and Industry Collaboration Department of PTDF, disclosed that over 900 candidates from the zone applied for the PTDF 2026 scholarship scheme.

According to him, 173 of this number were shortlisted for the ongoing screening, scheduled to run throughout this week.

He explained that not all shortlisted candidates would eventually receive the scholarship, noting that selection would be based on merit and available quota.

He said the selection process was transparent and merit-based, with digital systems ensuring accountability, while the panellists independently assess candidates’ credentials, research proposals and communication skills.

On programme duration, Ikwuemesi said that master’s studies under the scheme would last for one year, while PhD programmes run for three years.

Also speaking, the head of the geology department at UNN,  Prof. Ifeanyi Oha, described the screening as smooth and well-coordinated.

He said that the candidates assessed so far were above average, attributing it to the rigorous pre-selection process.

“The exercise is highly competitive. Anyone selected must have demonstrated strong academic and research capabilities,” he said.

He commended PTDF for sustaining the programme over the years, describing it as a consistent and impactful capacity-building initiative in the oil and gas sector.

Another panellist, Dr Stella Arinze of the Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the exercise.

She, however, called for increased awareness, especially in rural and underserved areas.

She said that broader awareness would ensure inclusiveness and give more qualified candidates from less-represented communities the opportunity to benefit from the programme.

A candidate, Mr Solomon Eke from Imo State, who applied for a PhD in Petroleum Engineering, expressed optimism about his chances after multiple attempts.

Eke said his research focused on developing locally sourced materials to improve drilling fluids and reduce health hazards in the oil and gas industry.

“This research will promote local content and contribute to safer and more sustainable practices in the sector,” he said. 

(NAN)